Free Block Patterns

2010 Block of the Week   “Freedom Stars”

The start of a new decade and a new theme!

Be sure to follow my blog to get your weekly free instructions for all 50 Freedom Star Blocks.  The stars will be published once each week on Mondays.  We will take a break after the first 25 stars and see what happens when we set them into quilt tops.  Then we will finish the year with 25 more stars!

If you have been  following along, please send me photos of your blocks and I will post them on this website.

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Freedom Star Block #25

June 21, 2010

Dad’s Favorite Star Block

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads and granddads!!

This week’s block is a variation of a traditional block named Young Man’s Fancy.

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper piecing patterns

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

PDF Dad’s Favorite Star Block – directions

PDF  Dad’s Favorite Star Block – Paper Pieced directions

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Freedom Star Block #24

June 14, 2010

Flag Day Star Block

Today is National Flag Day – Remember to proudly fly your flag today!

Make this easy paper-pieced Flag Day Star Block, so you can fly the flag all year long.

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper piecing patterns

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

PDF Flag Day Star Block- directions

PDF  Flag Day Star Block – Paper Pieced directions

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Freedom Star Block #23

June 7, 2010

Gold Star for Virginia Block

Many thanks to all of the participants in the Quilter’s Unlimited Quilt Show 2010.

This week’s Freedom Star Block is a variation of a block named Star of Virginia First published by Wallace’s Farmer, a magazine published from 1874 through the 1950’s  in Des Moines (Barbara Brackman’s Block Base for EQ6).

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the Easy Flying Geese directions.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Gold Star for Virginia Block – directions

PDF  Easy Flying Geese – directions

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Freedom Star Block #22

May 31, 2010

Firecracker Star Block

Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all of our servicemen and women and to all of our veterans.  My husband and I are vacationing in Spokane Washington, visiting my sister and her husband.  Our daughter is along with us and she was my creative assistant with today’s block.

This week’s Freedom Star Block is a variation of a block named Liberty Star.  We rearranged the stripes into chevrons to make a new block that we  named Firecracker Star.  It is an easy block to make with paper-piecing techniques.

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper piecing patterns.  Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

PDF Firecracker  Star Block – directions

PDF  Firecracker  Star Block – Paper Pieced directions

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Freedom Star Block #21

May 24, 2010

New Galaxy Star Block

In honor of Nicolaus Copernicus, this week’s block is named the New Galaxy Star Block.

It is an easy block to make with paper-piecing techniques.

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper piecing patterns

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

PDF New Galaxy  Star Block – directions

PDF  New Galaxy Star Block – Paper Pieced directions

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Freedom Star Block #20

May 17 , 2010

Dolley Madison’s Star Block

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions, the paper piecing pattern and the Easy Quarter-Square Triangle directions.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

PDF Dolley Madison’s  Star Block – directions

PDF  Dolley Madison’s Star Block – Paper Pieced directions

PDF Easy Quarter-Square Triangles – Directions

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Freedom Star Block #19

May 10 , 2010

Mother’s  Fancy Star Block

The Mother’s Fancy Star Block is easy to create using simple rotary cutting and machine piecing methods. This block was first published under this name by Carrie A. Hall and Rose G. Ketsinger in “The Romance of the Patchwork Quilt in America” 1935.  See Barbara Brackman’s Block Base for EQ6 for more information.

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the Easy Flying Geese directions.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Mother’s Fancy Star Block – directions

PDF  Easy Flying Geese – directions

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Freedom Star Block #18

May 5 , 2010

Mexican Star Block

The Mexican Star Block is another traditional block, originally published as early as 1930.

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper piecing patterns.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF  Mexican  Star Block- directions

PDF  Mexican  Star Block – Paper-Piecing Patterns

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Freedom Star Block #17

April 26, 2010

Manhattan Star Block

The Manhattan Star Block is another traditional block originally published by Aunt Kate’s Quilting Bee Magazine between July 1962 -July 1967  (Barbara Brackman, Block Base for EQ6).

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper piecing patterns.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF  Manhattan Star Block- directions

PDF  Manhattan Star Block – Paper-Piecing Patterns

Manhattan Star - Freedom Star colors

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Freedom Star Block #16

April 19, 2010

Earth Day Star Block

Use your favorite applique method to create this Earth Day Star Block

I have re-designed and re-named  a traditional block originally named Illinois Star published by Aunt Kate’s Quilting Bee Magazine between July 1962 -July 1967  (Barbara Brackman, Block Base for EQ6)

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the applique templates.   Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF  Earth Day Star Block- directions

PDF  Earth Day Star Block – applique templates

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Freedom Star Block #15

April 12, 2010

Crossed Star Block

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper-piecing  pattern.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

The paper-pieced patterns are given in the mirror image, so when you stitch them out they  will appear exactly like the photo.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF  Crossed Star Block- directions

PDF  Crossed Star Block – paper-piecing patterns

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Freedom Star Block #14

April 5 , 2010

April Star Block

This week we will be creating the April Star Block.  It is similar to the Diamond Star Block #6 that we made earlier, but in this star the corner points are longer than the side points and only one color is used for each point.

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper-piecing  pattern.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF  April  Star Block – directions

PDF  April  Star Block – paper-piecing patterns

Here is the same block in Spring Colors

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Freedom Star Block #13

March 29,  2010

Fool’s Star Block

April Fool’s Day is this Thursday…so get ready to play some goofy April Fool’s jokes on your friends and loved ones.

I have made a simple pieced block for us to make in honor of the day.  This block is adapted from a traditional block named Fool’s Square.  The original block was based on a 10 inch square, I have adapted and re-created the block so it will work for a 12 inch square and easily join in with the rest of our Freedom Star Blocks. When made up in spring colors, I think the star points look like tulips!

To create  this block,  you will need to download the block directions and the paper-pieced section.  Be sure to set your printer scaling to NONE to get the correct size.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

These directions were corrected on March 30 , 2010.

PDF Fool’s  Star Block – directions

PDF Fool’s  Star Block – paper-pieced section

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Freedom Star Block #12

March 22,  2010

Signs of Spring Star Block

March 21 marked the First Day of Spring, and for those of us that live in the Northeast it could not have come sooner.  I have re-designed a traditional Block – Signs of Spring, First published in Farm Journal (Barbara Brackman – Block Base for EQ6).  You can make it in the bright Spring colors or in the Freedom Star colors.  Directions are given for both color variations.

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the paper-piecing pattern.   Remember to set the scaling to NONE to get the correct size when you print the paper-piecing pattern.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Signs of Spring  Star Block – directions

PDF Signs of Spring Star Block  – Paper-piecing pattern

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Freedom Star Block #11

March 15,  2010

Irish Star Block

In Honor of St. Patrick’s Day – March 17^th and for everyone who claims to be Irish this week, I have designed an Irish Star block based on a traditional block named Irish Logs.

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the paper-piecing pattern.   Remember to set the scaling to NONE to get the correct size when you print the paper-piecing pattern.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Irish Star Block – directions

PDF Irish Star Block  – Paper-piecing pattern

I have also made a Freedom Star Version

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Freedom Star Block #10

March 8,  2010

Alaska’s Star Block

To celebrate the famed Alaskan Iditarod dog-sled Race. from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.   Today’s block is a variation of the Alaska block published in the magazine Hearth and Home (1885-1930) .  As Sited by Block Base (TM)

PDF – Alaska’s  Star Block Directions

PDF – Easy Half-Square-Triangle Units

PDF – Easy Quarter-Square-Triangle Units

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Freedom Star Block #9

March 1,  2010

Fifty-Four-Forty or Fight! Star Block

It’s fun to learn about the origins of some traditional quilt blocks.  The Fifty-Four- Forty 0r Fight! Block must have been designed in the early 1800’s when the border dispute between the US and Britain (Canada) was Front Page news.  So today’s block is taken right out of the pages of history. It’s a fairly simple block with a little paper-piecing and easy 4-patch blocks.

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the paper-piecing pattern.   Remember to set the scaling to NONE to get the correct size when you print the paper-piecing pattern.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Fifty-Four-Forty or Fight! Star Block – directions.

PDF Fifty-Four-Forty of Fight! Star Block  – Paper-piecing pattern.

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Freedom Star Block #8

February 22, 2010

Gold, Silver and Bronze! Star Block

To celebrate all the Olympic Winners, I have redesigned the traditional Silver and Gold quilt block, to become the Gold, Silver and Bronze! Star Block.

This block is based on a traditional Eight Pointed Star block and can be tricky to make. Just take your time and follow the directions for making a Y seam and it will be finished in no time.

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the Gold,  Silver and Bronze! Star Block directions and the Eight Pointed Star Block Templates. Remember to set the scaling to NONE to get the correct size when you print the templates.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF – Gold, Silver and Bronze! Star Block – Directions

PDF – Eight Pointed Star Block – Templates

for those of us making the Freedom Stars I have a Gold, Red and Blue! Version , too!

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Freedom Star Block #7

February 15, 2010

Martha Washington’s Star Block

Martha Washington’s Star Bloc

In Honor of President’s Day, I am offering this week’s block…..

Martha Washington’s Star Block

This block was published in Farmer’s Wife in 1926.

Because we all know that behind every great man was a great woman!

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the directions for Easy Quarter Square Triangles Units and Easy Flying Geese Units

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF – Martha Washington’s Star Block Directions

PDF – Easy Quarter Square Triangle Units

PDF – Easy Flying Geese Units

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Freedom Star Block #6

February 8, 2010

Diamond Star Block

Just in time for Valentine’s Day – give yourself a diamond!

Make this easy to paper-piece diamond star…use the freedom star red, white/gold and blue color scheme, or choose your own colors.

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the paper piecing pattern. When you go to print out the pattern, to get an accurate paper-piecing pattern, you must set PAGE SCALING to NONE.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Diamond Star – directions

PDF Diamond Star – Paper piecing patterns

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Freedom Star Block #5

February 1, 2010

New Orleans Saints Block

I designed this weeks block to honor the New Orleans Saints who will be meeting the  Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl this weekend.    It is an applique block featuring the Fleur-de-lis in the Saints team colors of black, gold and white.

Here is the same block made with Mardi Gras colors.  We will all watch as the city of New Orleans celebrates  Mardi Gras in it’s usual joyful way on February 16th.

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And for the Freedom Star Blocks,  I have shown it in the Red, white and Blue colorway.   To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the applique pattern. When you go to print out the pattern, to get an accurate applique pattern, you must set PAGE SCALING to NONE.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF New Orleans Star – directions

PDF New Orleans Star – Applique Patterns

There was an error in the applique pattern when this block was first posted on Feb 1.  Corrected Feb3. If you downloaded these directions before Feb3rd, please go back and print the corrected versions.. Thanks, Betty.

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Freedom Star Block #4

January 25, 2010

Indianapolis Colts – Ohio Star Block

This week we will be making a variation of the Ohio Star Block.  I designed this block in honor of the Indianapolis Colts and their victory yesterday over the NY Jets.

You will also see an alternate coloring for the Ohio Star in the Freedom Stars Red, white and blue color way.

This block is fairly simple to make,  and if you do not already know how, you will learn how to cut and sew quarter-square triangles.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Indianapolis Colts Ohio Star directions

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Freedom Star Block #3

January 18, 2010

Nine Patch Star Block

Finished Block 12” x 12”

This is a simple, yet elegant, star block made up of a variation on the nine patch block.

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the paper piecing pattern. When you go to print out the pattern, to get an accurate paper-piecing pattern, you must set PAGE SCALING to NONE.  After printing the pattern, measure to be sure that the piece is 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ before you begin to sew.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

PDF Nine Patch Star Directions

PDF Nine Patch Star  Paper-piecing patttern

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Freedom Star Block #2

January 11, 2010

Forever Friends Star Block

This is really a simple block made up of a variation of the friendship star block repeated four times with slightly different colorings.   The directions are written for the fabrics shown in the color picture, but feel free to substitute your own. You will need one (red) fabric for the background squares, two (yellow) fabrics for the entwined ribbons and four (blue) fabrics for the stars.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

click here for the PDF file.

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Freedom Star Block #1

January 4, 2010

Snowflake Star Block

We start off January with this 12″ x 12″ finished SNOWFLAKE STAR block easily made with a paper-piecing pattern.

To create  this block,  you will need to download both the block directions and the paper piecing pattern. When you go to print out the pattern, to get an accurate paper-piecing pattern, you must set PAGE SCALING to NONE.

Directions are given in a PDF format, you will need acrobat reader to open these on your computer.

Click here for PDF Snowflake Star Directions

Click here for PDF Snowflake Star Paper Pieced pattern.

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2009 Block of the Week Patterns

12/12/09

Christmas Star

Finished Block 12″ x 12″

This block is soooo easy to do when you paper piece it!

Copy the pattern and make four of each section.  Follow the colors in the photo, or choose your own.

Click here for the PDF pattern

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12/7/09

Christmas Present

Hooray! even with wrapping and mailing my gifts I am early with next week’s block!

Christmas Present Block – finished size 12” x 12”

Pieced block – Based on a 6 x 6 grid

Cut  21 – 2 ½ “ squares of red

and 10 – 2 ½” squares of dark gold

and 1 – 2 ½” square of light gold

To make half-square triangle units –

Cut  2 – 2 7/8” red squares and 2 – 2 7/8” light gold squares

Combine one 2 7/8” red square with one 2 7/8″ light gold square with right sides together.  On wrong side, draw a diagonal line (from corner to corner) across one piece,  sew 1/4 inch away from each side of this line. Cut apart on drawn line and press open to make two half square triangle units. Repeat above steps to make two more units.  Combine all squares and half squares as in picture to make a pretty Christmas Present Block.

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12/1/09

Pine Tree

November 30, 2009

Pine Tree Block -  8″ x 8″ Finished block.

Make half square triangle units by combining

one 4 7/8″ Blue (sky) square with one 4 7/8″ Green (pine tree) square with right sides together.

On wrong side, draw a diagonal line (from corner to corner) across one piece,  sew 1/4 inch away from each side of this line.

Cut apart on drawn line and press open to make two half square triangle units.

Repeat above steps to make two more units.

Sew units together as shown  for completed Pine Tree Block.

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11/22/09

Maple Leaf Block

Maple Leaf

From  Maple and Oak Leaves Wall Hanging Pattern

Finished block size 6″ x 6″

This is a simple paper pieced block made in three sections….Click here for PDF file

• Recent Posts

  • August 30, 2010 – Freedom Star Block #34 – Crossed Canoes Star Block
  • August 23, 2010 – Freedom Star Block #33 – Birthday Star Block
  • August 19, 2010 – Freedom Star Block #32 – August Star Block
  • August 9, 2010 – Freedom Star Block #31 – Family Circle Star Block
  • August 2, 2010 – Freedom Star Block #30 – Philadelphia Star Block

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